Ready for something new, move help

Hey just wanted to post this maybe see if anyone had any good advice on what steps I should take to move away. Basically I'm tired of living at home for many reasons and ready for a change. Sadly I don't have a lot of experience living on my own, but I'm in a good place currently to possibly make a move, since I recently left my full time job, and finished my associates degree, I figured now is a better time than any to try something new. I know it's going to be hard, not even sure if I'm completely ready for it, but I feel like it's something I need to do. I have always liked the idea of California or something of that nature possibly, since living in Minnesota I have grown tired of the cold. Yes Minneapolis might be a good choice from the large gay community there, but I feel like it's not a big enough change perhaps? A roommate would probably be just fine, and I realize I'm going to need to get a job pretty quick to be able to pay rent, that's my biggest obstacle. Anyways if anyone possibly has any tips or maybe share an experience on what you did could help me out a lot thanks so much!

it been my experience you go where your heart wants you to go, all the "sayers" think the twin cities is the best place to live for gays, so why are you not happy there?, if everyone says so, it must be, right?

depending what you do for a living, there is plenty of employment in the southern part of the US, only because corporate america has found cheap labor there and has moved the work away from the cultural hubs. I think this discussion has come up before, if you are socially acclimated to a diverse community like the twin cities, despite its weather, a move to the south may get you some employment but then you sacrifice your social needs and may meet more intolerance from those around you.

die hard southern Californians are just that, once your heart finds the 'place' it likes, its very difficult to leave, I know plenty of people, gay and straight, who would rather be unemployed living in SoCal rather than be gainfully employed in any part of Mississippi, Alabama, Texas for example. You may try east or southern Florida, but yes, many in FL are retired 'snow birds' from the north

I hated the midwest, with the exception of Chicago. Getting older, the warmer climate attracts. But your still young, you can still handle the cold. Why not try living on your own or with room mates right where you are, the twin cities? Moving away, out of state, from family and familiar territory is REALLY scary especially at such a young age, unless your mature enough to handle it, stay where you are and get your own place first, then see if your heart really wants to go elsewhere.

What is your degree in? An associates degree won't get you far in most places, especially places where everyone wants to live (case in point, California). For reference, an associates in nursing (RN) is far, far more marketable than like an associates in fine arts.

Well, what part of California? It's a big state, and there are other cities here besides LA and SF, each with varying cost of living.

Even if you wanted to move to LA, you can still survive. I know a few guys that came here with very little money and are doing relatively ok.

I'd suggest getting a roommate to help make rent more affordable. It's always a gamble trying to find a roommate that isn't crazy. But nothing is permanent, you can always move out and find another roommate. Or eventually move out on your own after you get a decent paying job.

Okay to respond to the cities thing, I don't live like downtown or anywhere special I live in the suburbs with my parents and not out to them, besides saving money it's not a good place for me to be. I do have like two jobs on the side though, one being a daily thing, the other more like a once in awhile kind of thing. I feel like it would be really scary to move away, but I also think it would be an awesome growing expierence, as well as being able to be myself and whatever. I don't know much about the areas of Cali which is part of what I was wondering maybe palm springs? My degree is in graphic design, which basically schooling for that is just to have the title of education, most things you learn is on your own, from a job, and the internet, I told myself I will get more schooling in the future if I needed to. About the roommate thing yea I realize it's a gamble... I wish I had a friend that wanted to move away too so I wouldn't be totally alone.

Have you considered escorting? I make at least a couple thousand a month doing it and I live in BFE Oklahoma. It would be a nice way to earn money before you make the move. PM me if you are interested and I'll give you advice/names of good websites to advertise on.